Amplifier for Martin Logan Requests


I currently own a pair of Martin Logan Requests with An Audble Illusions pre-amp. I have auditioned the Calyton Audio M70 monoblocks and they sound good. The only problem is when I play them at high volumes they lose control. I have heard about Bat VK 200 & 500 , Sim Audio W-5 and several tube amps as better alternatives. I would appreciate any comments from ML owners and those who are familiar with these speakers. Thanks
hiflyer
I have been using Bryston 7B-ST mono blocks. While these amps can drive the ML ReQuest to a loud volume, I find them get edgy and also produce too much base in my room. I have the -3dB switch on otherwise the base is too much even though I have Tower Traps in the front corners. Quite honstly I have not tried other amps in my room but lots of people recommended tube amps with the ML. So I went ahead and ordered a pair of Sonic Frontiers Power 3. I hope they would be better than the Brystons. Good luck.
I powered my ReQuests with a C-J 11a (70 watts, tube) for 2 years and loved the sound. However, when I upgraded to c-j 8a monos it brought the ReQuests to life. Nite and day improvement. Bottom line, the more tube power you can feed your ReQuests the more you'll like em.
I too have tried various amps with my ReQuests, tube & solid, my advice: don't buy ANYTHING until you've heard the lastest Classe amps. Listen to the CA301, CA401, or even the CA201. Classe is also recommened by the folks at M.L. who told me the pair-up is "a match made in heaven". I currently use the CA301 - the sound is incredible.
I am presently using a BAT 500 with BAT Pak bi-wired with Harmonic cables to drive my Quests. If you want to have power and great bass in solid state do consider a listen. Does not give you solid state listening fatigue of other solid state. Enjoy your Quest.
Best sounding amps with "ANY" Martin Logans I heard were the Threshold SA/1's that I heard at a dealer a few years back. Just incredible, I couldn't afford them then, I wish I had a pair.